Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Series

A series of x-rays of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum during and after drinking a barium solution. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine; and the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are collectively called the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract or upper digestive system.

Parts of the Body Involved

Esophagus, stomach, duodenum

Reasons for Procedure

An upper GI series may be ordered if you have:
  • Diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Abdominal pain
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Regurgitation
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Bloody stools or black, tarry stools
  • Bloody vomit or "coffee-ground" vomit
An upper GI series can help detect:
  • A blockage
  • An abnormal growth or tumor
  • An ulcer
  • Diverticula - an abnormal pouch or sac opening from a hollow organ, such as the intestine
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • A hiatal hernia
  • Crohn's disease
  • Pulmonary aspiration

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

  • Presence of food in the stomach
  • Presence of barium in the colon
  • Perforated or obstructed bowel
Due to the risks of radiation exposure, you should not have an upper GI series if you are pregnant.

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure:
  • Review your medications with your doctor, there are some that you may need to stop taking before this procedure
  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke for at least eight hours before
  • You may be given a medication called glucagon to slow down the activity of the stomach and small intestine
  • You may be asked to swallow baking soda crystals, which will bubble and produce gas in your stomach, allowing for more detailed x-rays
  • If you are going to have a small bowel follow-through, you may be asked to take a laxative medication the day before your exam, in order to clean out the small intestine
During Procedure

Outcome

A normal upper GI series will show an unobstructed, functioning, healthy digestive tract. Examples of abnormalities that may show up on an upper GI series include obstructions, ulcers of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine, or irregularities in the swallowing mechanism. Your doctor will make treatment recommendations based on the findings.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Constipation doesn't resolve within a few days
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, irritation, peeling, or sloughing of skin